The Federal Government of Somalia expressed deep concern on Tuesday following reports that Israel is engaging with the self-declared breakaway administration of Somaliland. The government emphasized that any form of contact with Somaliland outside the authority and recognition of the central government in Mogadishu constitutes a clear violation of Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.
In a statement issued on a Somali national public holiday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation indicated that the federal government considers any political, diplomatic, or other sectoral engagements with Somaliland conducted without Mogadishu’s recognition to have no legal or political standing.
Reaffirming the country’s legal position, the ministry stated, “Somalia remains a sovereign nation recognized internationally, and the Federal Government is the sole legitimate authority empowered to represent the country in international relations.” Meanwhile, the statement further explained that any actions taken without the recognition of the central government jeopardize Somalia’s constitutional order.
The Somali government extended an urgent call to the United Nations (UN), the African Union (AU), the Arab League, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and other international partners. In this appeal, it requested these bodies to uphold international law, show due respect for Somalia’s sovereignty, and collectively condemn any actions that undermine the unity and stability of the Somali state.
Furthermore, the ministry issued a stern warning, stating, “The Federal Republic of Somalia reserves its sovereign right to take all lawful and necessary measures through diplomatic, legal, and other appropriate channels to protect its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national unity.”
While Somalia stated its commitment to peaceful dialogue, regional stability, and building constructive relations with partners, it explicitly declared that it will never accept any activities that infringe upon the country’s sovereignty or threaten the unity of the Somali people.
This strong statement from the Mogadishu government follows widespread reports indicating expanding diplomatic relations between Israel and Somaliland, including the holding of diplomatic meetings and the opening of a Somaliland representative office in Jerusalem.
Somaliland has operated as a de facto self-governing region with its own government, security forces, and electoral institutions since it declared independence from Somalia in 1991. However, the government of Somalia completely rejects Somaliland’s claim to independence and firmly maintains that the region remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia. Diplomats note that this newly emerged diplomatic tension could spark further geopolitical rivalries in the region.
